Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore has been fined $11,593 for a taunting penalty in Week 12’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFL released its weekly list of fines and tagged Moore for the infraction.
Moore’s penalty occurred in the third quarter of last Sunday’s 31-28 win over the Steelers. After catching a 6-yard pass on first down, Moore flipped the ball to CB James Pierre, drawing the flag.
While innocuous, the league has a strict policy on tossing or throwing footballs at opponents in order to prevent fights and scrums. Even something as simple as lightly flipping the ball to an opponent is a flag.
The penalty turned a would-be 2nd and 4 into 2nd and 20. However, Moore would atone for his mistake two plays later, catching his second touchdown of the day on a 25-yard catch wide open down the seam. Pittsburgh was in a bad coverage to defend Chicago’s four vertical routes, leaving Moore uncovered. Later in the week, DC Teryl Austin admitted the Steelers weren’t equipped to combat it.
Moore finished the game with five catches, 64 yards, and two touchdowns. Pierre picked up three assisted tackles and one pass breakup.
NFL fines are outlined by the CBA with predetermined amounts. They increased an agreed upon percentage each year. All fine money is donated to charity. That nearly $12,000 fine is the one issued by the league for a first offense. A second offense will cost a player $17,389.
No Steelers’ players were fined in the loss.
Having played and beaten the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday, Chicago is off this weekend.
Pittsburgh and Buffalo kickoff Sunday at 4:25 PM/EST.